Stretch series front split , calf raises

Does anybody know why calf raises are in the front split stretching series, and why are they not full range of motion calf raises instead of partial movements?

You mobilize the calf muscles and Achilles first to warm them up before actually stretching them (instead of stretching a cold muscle.). You stretch calves/Achilles because they are often times the one that's limiting you in a pike position. If your hamstrings lack the length for a pike, then you'll certainlyy have difficulty with front split

These are to improve and prevent injury to the Achilles' tendon. Although they are not a stretch they are training the springs of the tendon so that you can jump and run with less risk of injury.

This doesn't explain why you would do partial movements. Why not doing calf raises with the feet on stretching blocks?  So you train the full range of movement. This way you gain strength and flexibility through the full range. 

Especially because these stretches are recommended after your workout your are already warmed up. Why not building range gradually instead of partials?

I've been doing full ROM, just gets harder in the last few reps. I think the goal is strive for full ROM but it's ok if you don't make it because you're doing 180 reps.

Coach Sommer discovered there was no additional benefit doing these on blocks long ago. 

 

The calf raises have been a staple in his athletes training and he's had plenty of time to find what works best.

How should the weight be distributed on foot? Most across ball? The reason I ask is that I often have pain on proximal joint in big toe (worse after rock climbing) and in video Coach says come up on big toe.

Ball of the big toe!

 

Of course if you have an issue with your toe you may need to modify but basically if your not on the ball of the big toe it means you're rolling the ankle and loosing most of the benefit to your achilles doing these.

In Ballet the weight is on the first 3 toes, with your instep (is this the correct word for the top side of your foot) pressing really forward

Thanks Cole, that makes anatomical sense : )